Pep Guardiola makes bold prediction about Manchester City’s season after Tottenham defeat | OneFootball

Manchester City are still expected to have a “good season” in the eyes of Pep Guardiola, despite their 0-2 home defeat to Tottenham last time out.

While some frustration may linger around the Etihad Stadium after a somewhat steady start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, the City boss was calm and confident when previewing this weekend’s trip to Brighton.

Guardiola’s side began the new season strongly with a statement opening league win at Wolves, but a setback against Spurs last time out has placed early scrutiny on the side aiming to regain their Premier League crown back from Liverpool.

The Catalan coach has faced questions before when City have stumbled in the opening weeks of a campaign, though he has regularly turned difficult moments into winning runs. After the defeat to Tottenham, Guardiola admitted his concerns about the team’s rhythm, but he insisted that with time and fitness improving across the squad, the consistency will return.

Injuries, including Rayan Ait-Nouri’s scare against Spurs, have also been part of the conversation, though the Algerian has since been passed fit. Beyond fitness, Guardiola has pointed to the confidence gained from City’s Champions League qualification.

Last season ended with disappointment domestically, but City still secured a return to Europe’s elite competition; something Guardiola believes should not be underestimated in shaping momentum.

Speaking to the media ahead of the club’s visit to Brighton this weekend, manager Guardiola was quizzed on how he brings about the winning consistency again at the club, after impressive victories over Juventus and Wolves, but defeats against Al Hilal and Tottenham.

“Yeah, that is the target. But it’s one game at a time. The season has just started, two games.

“Yesterday we enjoyed the qualification for the Champions League last season, so we’re going to be there in the elite of European football,” said Guardiola.

The 54-year-old continued on Friday afternoon, “And it’s just two games but I have the feeling that we will do a good season. I know the people maybe don’t believe it, but…

“Despite what happened last season, in the last game, or maybe on Sunday, we are going to do a good season.”

City supporters will watch closely to see whether Pep Guardiola’s belief translates into results, starting at the Amex Stadium on Sunday afternoon. A positive result against Brighton would immediately lift spirits and reaffirm the manager’s message of patience, while a setback could intensify pressure on a side still bedding in new signings.

Attention will remain on how Guardiola integrates players like Rayan Cherki and keeps Ait-Nouri fresh across a demanding schedule. With Champions League football looming and a Carabao Cup tie on the horizon, City’s squad depth could be tested earlier than anticipated.

If history is anything to go by, Pep Guardiola’s optimism may yet prove well-placed. City have often grown stronger as the months progress, and the manager’s confidence that his team will “do a good season” suggests he may have already identified solutions behind the scenes.